Matt Le Tissier: Why I’ve always had soft spot for this Man United player

Matt Le Tissier says Manchester United forward Juan Mata shares a similar playing style with the former Southampton captain.

The Spain international has enjoyed a decent start to the 2016-17 Premier League campaign under new manager Jose Mourinho despite the Portuguese coach selling the attacking midfielder to Manchester United during his spell in charge of Chelsea.

Mata has scored two goals and has made one assist in nine Premier League appearances this season but the former Valencia man has been unable to help the Red Devils unearth some consistent top-flight form.

The Spanish star won his first piece of silverware since moving to Old Trafford in a £37.1m deal in 2013 after Mata scored in Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last season.

Former Southampton midfielder Le Tissier delivered a glowing verdict on Mata as the Saints legend named his best Manchester United-Arsenal starting XI.

“I’ve gone for a player I’ve always had a soft spot for, Juan Mata.

“He’s got lot of talent but not so much pace, which perhaps reminds me of someone!

“He’s a bit underrated because of that lack of speed but I’ve always had a lot of time for him.”

Mata has netted 29 times in 118 games in all competitions for the Red Devils.